With its Historical Library and Cultural History Archive, the Francke Foundations possess two unique collections. The collections are now fully catalogued and accessible online.
Research
Online Research
Digital Collections with Francke-Portal
Our digital collection contains August Hermann Francke's diaries as well as old prints, book catalogues, Halle reports, manuscripts and autographs. Historical maps are also available.
Digital CollectionsArchive database
The database enables users to search the historical archive areas and selected collections of the Francke Foundations archive.
Archive databasePublications
Here you will find all publications by the Francke Foundations Publishing House.
All PublicationsDigiPub
The platform for our online publications is currently being developed, and you will soon be able to access publications in open access.
Studio - Our Image Database
Find photos in our image database that showcase our work in culture, science and education, as well as our events. Image rights can be requested.
image databaseCollections in the archive and library
The Francke Foundations archive primarily preserves material from the heyday of Halle Pietism in the 18th century. In addition, extensive collections document the more recent history of the foundation. These include estates, deposits, 900 linear metres of files, 25,567 images, 3,382 plans and other historical documents. The collections are accessible via card indexes, databases and online presentations.
The library, founded at the end of the 17th century by August Hermann Francke, now comprises around 57,000 volumes in its main collection, 76,000 volumes in special collections and a digital library. The focus is on church and cultural history of the early modern period. Particularly noteworthy are the Bötticher portrait collection and the map collection.
Search by topic
database collections
These databases and catalogues were created as part of completed research projects. They are no longer updated, but may still be useful for specialised research. Please note that content and technical functionality may be limited.
On-site research in the reading room
On the ground floor of the library building, there is a public reading room where visitors can view the archives and library collections of the Francke Foundations. A reference library with current specialist literature on the church and cultural history of the early modern period, especially Pietism, complements the collection. Online catalogues and databases are available for research purposes. As not all holdings are digitally recorded, conventional search tools can also be used on site. If required, we are happy to offer an introduction to the use of the archive and library. Please contact the reading room supervisor for further information.
Using the archive
To use the reading room, please register by email at lesesaal(at)francke-halle.de or by telephone on +49(0)345 2127 470. We kindly ask you to submit or place your orders by email or using the OPAC or archive database ordering system so that the requested archive and library materials can be made available at your reading room seat before your arrival.
Registration
Come to the reading room in Building 22 and bring a valid ID with you. Fill out the user application form and confirm the terms of use. You will need a library card to borrow books.
If you would like to order books or archive documents before your first visit, you can register in advance by email. To do so, send the completed user application form to the reading room of the Study Centre. You will then receive the access data for your library or archive account by email.
Ordering books
You can order books via the library's WEB-OPAC. To do so, you will need a library card with access data. You will receive this after registering. As soon as your book is ready for collection, the status »Theke Bibl. d. Franckeschen Stiftungen« (Franckesche Stiftungen Library Counter) will appear in your user account. Books that are not yet listed in the OPAC can be ordered in the reading room using a loan form.
OPACOrdering archival documents
You can order archive materials on site in the reading room or by email. If the archive materials are listed in the archive database, you can also reserve them directly online using the order function. To do this, you will need login details, which you will receive after registering.
archive databaseIntroduction to the archive database
Here you will find detailed instructions on how to use the archive database and order archive materials (in German).
instructionsFAQ – Frequently asked questions for archive and library
How do I get to the study centre?
Information on how to get there by public transport or car can be found [here].
Is there parking available on site?
No, there are no parking spaces available on the premises.
Is there barrier-free access?
Yes. Access is possible from Lindenhof via the glass building of House 22. Please use the doorbell.
When is the reading room open?
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
Can I borrow books or archival documents?
The collections are generally only available for use in the reading room.
Is there a short-term lending option?
Yes. Books from the reference library can be borrowed overnight or over the weekend.
- Check-out: 5:30pm
- Return by 10:00am on the next opening day
How do I order books and archival materials?
After registering, you can order books via the library's OPAC and archive materials via the archive database.
When are ordered media made available?
Retrieval takes place Monday to Friday at 8:00am, 11:00am and 2:30pm
How can I find books or archival materials?
The holdings can be searched online via the homepage. In addition, card catalogues are available on site.
Where can I find information about finding tools or catalogues?
You can find information on this in the Research section.
Where is the lounge area?
In House 23.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes. The reading room and lounge area (House 23) are equipped with Wi-Fi. Access codes are available at the reading room counter.
Where can I leave my jacket or bag?
There are lockers in the entrance area of House 22. Jackets, bags, umbrellas, food and drinks are not allowed in the reading room.
Please note: 1€ coin is required for the lockers.
Can I copy or photograph books or archival materials?
Yes, under certain conditions:
- Books/journals less than 100 years old and in good condition: Copies can be made on site (Salon Wilhelmine, House 23).
- Older works or archive materials: You may take your own photographs by arrangement.
- Digitisation can be requested via the photography department.
How much does it cost?
The fees can be found in the price list
Do I need permission for publications?
Yes. A separate permit is required for the publication of reproductions.
Die Digitalisate aus der Archivdatenbank sind urheberrechtlich geschützt. Sie dürfen für wissenschaftliche und private Zwecke heruntergeladen und ausgedruckt werden. Vorhandene Herkunftsbezeichnungen dürfen dabei nicht entfernt werden. Eine kommerzielle oder institutionelle Nutzung oder Veröffentlichung dieser Inhalte ist ohne vorheriges schriftliches Einverständnis des Studienzentrums August Hermann Francke der Franckeschen Stiftungen nicht gestattet, das ggf. auf weitere Institutionen oder Personen als Rechteinhaber verweist. Für die Veröffentlichung der Digitalisate können gemäß der Gebührenordnung der Franckeschen Stiftungen Entgelte erhoben werden. Für die Bestellung von Digitalisaten nutzen Sie bitte das Formular für einen Fotoauftrag.
Zur Erteilung einer Veröffentlichungsgenehmigung wenden Sie sich bitte an das Studienzentrum August Hermann Francke.
I am missing a book – can I make a suggestion?
Yes. You can submit purchase suggestions on a form, stating the title, author and year of publication, at the reading room counter.
I have been working with archive material – do I have to submit a copy?
Yes. The Study Centre is entitled to request a copy of any work that makes significant use of its collections
Forms and information
Info & Direction
Opening hours
Reading room
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 6:00pm
Telephone number +49(0)345 2127 470
